Meet the Garmin fenix 5 multisport GPS watch!

It’s here!

Finally, after much anticipation, the all new Garmin fenix 5 has arrived. This watched is packed with some impressive features but also strikes a perfect balance between tech and style. For the first time ever, Garmin have released the same watch in a variety of sizes, to fit every wrist and every workout! Run4It are stocking the fenix 5 (47mm) – a smaller and more compact version of its predecessor the fenix 3. We’re also stocking the fenix 5S (42mm) which offers full-size performance in a lighter, sleeker and more compact design that’s much more comfortable and practical for those with thinner wrists.

What’s new?

Smart connected features

When paired with a compatible smart phone, users can get call, text and email smart notifications right on their wrist. Garmin Connect IQ offers the user the ability to customise the watch further with apps and widgets.

There’s also a new feature, the Face It App, which allows you to set your favourite photo as the background on your watch face.

24/7 wrist-based heart rate

The fenix 5 has Elevate wrist-based heart rate so will give constant heart rate monitoring (without the need of a chest strap).

Extended battery life

The watch has two week battery life in standby mode, meaning you can go from workplace to workout – day in, day out – without plugging it in to charge.

Advanced training features

The watch measures VO2 max, lactate threshold and recovery time for both cycling and running (these features have been around for a while).

The biggest feature change in the fenix 5 is the inclusion of new training load and stress metrics, as well as the splitting of aerobic and anaerobic exertion into two training effects (versus having a single training effect before). All of which provide a more in-depth indication of how effective your session has been and how hard you’ve worked.

More multi-sport profiles

The all-rounders among us will be pleased to see more sports and more sports options. The fenix 5 includes enhanced metrics for running, cycling and swimming and also supports Strava live segments.

The preloaded activity profiles now include Mountain Biking and differentiate between Skiing & Snowboarding and Treadmill & Indoor Track giving each its own profile (versus having two combined profiles before).

Navigational features

The route guidance functionality is one of the stand out features of the device and really separates it from the rest. The watch has new advanced mapping and navigation features.

Built-in navigation features include a barometric altimeter, 3-axis compass and gyroscope. The thermometer and barometer can be used to predict weather changes by showing short-term trends in air pressure.

The extended battery life comes into its own on longer runs/expeditions. The watch will last for 24 hours in GPS mode and up to 75 hours in UltraTrac battery saver mode.

The watch automatically switches to an auto climb feature when going up steeper slopes – to show rate of ascent and vertical speed, once you start climbing.

Perfect for?

This watch is aimed at competitive runners and adventurers, who have a taste for extreme sports – yet also want a watch that can serve as a daily timepiece, as well as a rugged training tool. There are no comprises with fenix 5 and there’s no question it’s the best GPS watch Garmin have made yet.